By TC News Desk
Agartala, 4th September 2024: Hundreds of residents from East Phulbari Panchayat gathered at the one lakh liter gallon water plant along the Assam-Agartala National Highway to protest the severe contamination of their drinking water.
Inaugurated in 2019, the water tank was initially a boon for six village panchayats and local institutions like Navodaya Vidyalaya and girl residences in Khedengjuri. However, residents are now alarmed by the presence of snails and insects in the tank, raising concerns about their health and safety.
Villagers claim that the condition of the water has worsened over time, with sand and filtration stones not being changed regularly. Despite repeated complaints to the officials at the Drinking Water and Sanitation (DWS) office, including SDO Jewel Ahmed and project coordinator Arun Bhattacharya, no corrective actions have been taken.
On Wednesday, around 100 residents from the Khadimpara area gathered to demand repairs to the water tank and the replacement of the current contractor. “The water in the tank is worse than tap water,” one of the protestors stated. “We are at risk of waterborne diseases due to this negligence.”
Attempts by villagers to lock the water plant in protest were halted by local ruling party leaders, who intervened before the situation escalated. However, the protestors remained firm in their demands for immediate repair work to ensure that clean drinking water is provided to their homes.
Despite promises from officials, villagers are growing increasingly frustrated, fearing that without swift action, their health and well-being will continue to be jeopardized.
